RF powered specialty lighting, motion, sound

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a system for wirelessly powering an item. A source is configured to send wireless power. A target is configured to receive the wireless power and convert the wireless power to a useable power. A component is connected to and configured to receive the useable power from the target. When the component receives the usable power, the component activates. Also disclosed is an assembly including a system for wirelessly powering a component and a structure for supporting the system and an item.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/841,819, filed Sep. 1, 2006, and entitled “RF Powered SpecialtyLighting, Motion, Sound.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to specialty items, such as lighteddecorations, which are directly powered or recharged from a remotesource.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to have specialty items that are hard wired for power orutilize batteries for power. These wires can be cumbersome andunaesthetic and even a potential fire hazard. Batteries must eventuallybe replaced, and the more items there are, the more tedious become sucha task. The present invention avoids these problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a system for specialtyitems (devices) having one or more activated modes to affect a result ordesired outcome, for example, to stimulate the senses. A mode maycorrelate to one or more of the senses—sight, sound, scent, taste, andtouch. The items are powered and/or recharged using wireless RF power.

The specialty items may be, but are not limited to, decorations(holiday, theme, and general), props, displays, and sensor (e.g.,safety) assemblies. For example, the items may be ornaments, lights(bulbs, LEDs, EL, EL strings, rope lights, etc), tree toppers,centerpieces, home décor, landscape décor, emergency back-up lights,smoke/fire detectors. Applications with which the invention may be usedare, for example, store displays, showrooms, window displays, Christmastrees (real or artificial), outdoor and/or indoor lighting systems,alarm systems.

It is another object of this invention to provide an assembly includinga system for wirelessly powering a specialty item and a structure formounting or supporting the system. For example, the structure may be aChristmas tree, a mannequin, a light post, a stand.

In general, a simple system according to the present invention includesan RF power transmitter (“transmitter”) and an RF power receiver(“receiver”). The RF power receiver is connected to a component of anitem that requires power to be activated, where activation produceslight, movement, sound, etc. or combinations thereof.

The system according to the present invention may be retrofittedonto/into an existing item, group of items, or structure or the systemmay be designed as an integral part of the item, group of items, orstructure.

The present invention pertains to a system for wirelessly powering anitem. The system comprises a source configured to send wireless power.The system comprises a target configured to receive the wireless powerand convert the wireless power to a useable power. The system comprisesa component connected to and configured to receive the useable powerfrom the target, wherein when the component receives the usable power,the component activates and the active component can be sensed by aperson.

The present invention pertains to an assembly. The assembly comprises asystem for wirelessly powering a component. The assembly comprises astructure for supporting the system. The system includes a sourceconfigured to send wireless power. The system includes a targetelectrically connected to the component and configured to receive thewireless power, to convert the wireless power to a useable power, and toactivate a component using the useable power.

The present invention pertains to an item that is wirelessly powered.The item comprises a target configured to receive wireless power andconvert the wireless power to a useable power. The item comprises acomponent connected to and configured to receive the useable power fromthe target, wherein when the component receives the usable power, thecomponent activates, and the active component can be sensed by a person.

The present invention pertains to a method for wirelessly powering anitem comprising the steps of sending wireless power from a source. Thereis the step of receiving the wireless power at a target. There is thestep of converting the wireless power to a useable power at the target.There is the step of receiving the useable power from the target at acomponent connected to the target. There is the step of activating bythe component when the component receives the usable power, wherein theactive component can be sensed by a person.

The present invention pertains to a structure for supporting. Thestructure comprises a base. The structure comprises an element extendingfrom the base having a first portion through which at least one wirelesspower transmitter is attached to the element, and a second portionthrough which at least one target configured to receive the wirelesspower and convert the wireless power to a useable power is attached tothe element.

The present invention pertains to a system for wirelessly power an itemattached to a tree. The system comprises a source configured to sendwireless power. The system comprises at least one target configured toreceive the wireless power and convert the wireless power to a useablepower wherein the at least one target is attached to the tree.

The present invention pertains to an ornament. The ornament comprises ahousing having a snowflake shape or an orb shape or a jack-o-lanternshape. The ornament comprises a receiving antenna in contact with ahousing. The ornament comprises a wireless RF energy harvester disposedin the housing that receives wireless energy and converts it into DC.The ornament comprises a plurality of LEDs disposed in the housingelectrically connected to and powered by the harvester.

The present invention pertains to a Christmas tree. The tree comprises astructure having a trunk and branches. The tree comprises a plurality ofornaments which are held by the structure. Each ornament having areceiving antenna, a wireless RF power harvester connected to thereceiving antenna which converts RF wireless energy into DC, and atleast one LED electrically connected to and powered by the harvester.The tree comprises an RF transmitter which transmits wireless RF energyto the ornaments and in electrical communication with the ornaments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

In the accompanying drawings, the preferred embodiment of the inventionand preferred methods of practicing the invention are illustrated inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first embodiment of a system forwirelessly powering an item according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a first embodiment of a source according tothe present invention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a second embodiment of a source accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a third embodiment of a source according tothe present invention.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a fourth embodiment of a source accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a first embodiment of a target according tothe present invention.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a second embodiment of a target accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a third embodiment of a target according tothe present invention.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a fourth embodiment of a target accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a fifth embodiment of a target according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is a sixth embodiment of a target according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 is a seventh embodiment of a target according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is an eighth embodiment of a target according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 is a ninth embodiment of a target according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a tenth embodiment of a target accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a eleventh embodiment of a targetaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of an twelfth embodiment of a targetaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of a first embodiment of an item according tothe present invention.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of a second embodiment of a system forwirelessly powering an item according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is an illustration of a third embodiment of a system forwirelessly powering an item according to the invention including.

FIG. 21 is an illustration of a fourth embodiment of a system forwirelessly powering an item according to the invention.

FIG. 22 is an illustration of a second embodiment of an item accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an illustration of a first embodiment of an assemblyincluding a system for wirelessly powering an item and a structure forsupporting the system according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 is an illustration of a second embodiment of an assemblyincluding a system for wirelessly powering an item and a structure forsupporting the system according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is an illustration of a third embodiment of an assemblyincluding a system for wirelessly powering an item and a structure forsupporting the system according to the present invention, showingtransmitting antenna and receiving antenna placement.

FIG. 26 is an illustration of a fourth embodiment of an assemblyincluding a portion of a system for wirelessly powering an item and astructure for supporting the system according to the present invention,showing source placement.

FIG. 27 is an illustration of a fifth embodiment of an assemblyincluding a portion of a system for wirelessly powering an item and astructure for supporting the system according to the present invention,showing source placement.

FIG. 28 is an illustration of a fifth embodiment of an assemblyincluding a portion of a system for wirelessly powering an item and astructure for supporting the system according to the present invention,showing source placement.

FIG. 29 is an illustration of a target that is removable allowing usewith different faces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A complete understanding of the invention will be obtained from thefollowing description when taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawing figures wherein like reference characters identify like partsthroughout.

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”,“right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, andderivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented inthe drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the inventionmay assume various alternative variations and step sequences, exceptwhere expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understoodthat the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attacheddrawings, and described in the following specification, are simplyexemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions andother physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosedherein are not to be considered as limiting.

The present invention pertains to a system 10 for wirelessly powering anitem 12. The system 10 comprises a source 14 configured to send wirelesspower. The system 10 comprises a target 16 configured to receive thewireless power and convert the wireless power to a useable power. Thesystem 10 comprises a component 18 connected to and configured toreceive the useable power from the target 16, wherein when the component18 receives the usable power, the component 18 activates and the activecomponent 18 can be sensed by a person.

The source 14 preferably includes a wireless power transmitter 20.Preferably, the source 14 includes a transmitting antenna 22. The source14 can include a wired power source 24. The source 14 can operate onbatteries 52. The wireless power transmitter 20 can pulse powerwirelessly.

The target 16 preferably includes an RF power receiver 26. Preferably,the receiver 26 includes a power harvester 28. The harvester 28preferably includes circuitry 30 to convert RF power into DC power.Preferably, the target 16 includes a receiving antenna 32. The target 16can include a charge storage element 56 which stores power to supply tothe component 18. There can be a housing 68 having a face 82, and thetarget 16 is a replaceable unit 84 that fits in the face 82.

The component 18 can include a light 34. There can be a switch 46 whichcontrols the light 34. The light 34 can be an LED 54. The component 18can have movable parts 74. The component 18 can produce sound. Thecomponent 18 can include a speaker 64. The component 18 can include adriver 66 to control the speaker 64.

The component 18 can include a speaker 64. The component 18 can includea driver 66 to control the speaker 64. The component 18 can produce ascent. The component 18 can include a changeable surface 40. The target16 and the component 18 can be incorporated into the item 12.

The item 12 can be an ornament 36. The item 12 can have a snowflakeshape 38 or an orb shape 80. The snowflake shape 38 or orb shape 80 canbe configured to hang in or on a surface 40. The surface 40 is a window42.

There can be one or more additional sources 14. The source 14 and theone or more additional sources 14 are preferably connected. The source14 and the one or more additional sources 14 can be connected in series.The source 14 and the one or more additional sources 14 can be connectedin parallel.

There can be one or more additional targets 16. The target 16 and theone or more additional targets 16 are preferably connected.

There can be one or more additional components 18. The component 18 andthe one or more additional components 18 are preferably connected.

There can be one or more controllers 44 electrically connected to thesystem 10 to control the system 10.

There can be one or more switches 46 electrically connected to thesystem 10 to aid with control the system 10.

The source 14 can include an attachment mechanism 48 for attaching to astructure 50. The target 16 can include an attachment mechanism 48 forattaching to a structure 50. The component 18 can include an attachmentmechanism 48 for attaching to a surface 40.

There can be means for activating the component 18. The activating meanscan include a switch 46 that passes or accepts power to the component18. The activating means can include a voltage sensor 58 such that whena predetermined voltage level is reached, the switch 46 is activated toallow power to flow to the component 18. The activating means caninclude a timer 60 to control activation of the switch 46. Theactivating means can include a button 62 to control activation of theswitch 46.

The present invention pertains to an ornament 36. The ornament 36comprises a housing 68 preferably having a snowflake shape 38 or an orbshape 80 or a jack-o-lantern shape a candy shape. The ornament 36comprises a receiving antenna 32 in contact with a housing 68. Theornament 36 comprises a wireless RF energy harvester 28 disposed in thehousing 68 that receives wireless energy and converts it into DC. Theornament 36 comprises a plurality of LEDs 54 disposed in the housing 68electrically connected to and powered by the harvester 28.

The housing 68 can have a plurality of faces 82 that are interchangeableon the housing 68, the faces 82 being the snowflake shape 38, the orbshape 80 or the jack-o-lantern shape or a candy shape. Alternatively,the housing 68 has a face 82, and the receiving antenna 32 and theharvester 28 form a unit 84 that has snaps 86 which snap into the face82.

The present invention pertains to a Christmas tree 70. The tree 70comprises a structure 50 having a trunk and branches. The tree 70comprises a plurality of ornaments 36 which are held by the structure50. Each ornament 36 having a receiving antenna 32, a wireless RF powerharvester 28 connected to the receiving antenna 32 which converts RFwireless energy into DC, and at least one LED 54 electrically connectedto and powered by the harvester 28. The tree 70 comprises an RFtransmitter 20 which transmits wireless RF energy to the ornaments 36and in electrical communication with the ornaments 36. There can be anurn from which the structure 50 extends.

The present invention pertains to an assembly. The assembly comprises asystem 10 for wirelessly powering a component 18. The assembly comprisesa structure 50 for supporting the system 10. The system 10 includes asource 14 configured to send wireless power. The system 10 includes atarget 16 electrically connected to the component 18 and configured toreceive the wireless power, to convert the wireless power to a useablepower, and to activate a component 18 using the useable power.

The present invention pertains to an item 12 that is wirelessly powered.The item 12 comprises a target 16 configured to receive wireless powerand convert the wireless power to a useable power. The item 12 comprisesa component 18 connected to and configured to receive the useable powerfrom the target 16, wherein when the component 18 receives the usablepower, the component 18 activates, and the active component 18 can besensed by a person.

The present invention pertains to a method for wirelessly powering anitem 12 comprising the steps of sending wireless power from a source 14.There is the step of receiving the wireless power at a target 16. Thereis the step of converting the wireless power to a useable power at thetarget 16. There is the step of receiving the useable power from thetarget 16 at a component 18 connected to the target 16. There is thestep of activating by the component 18 when the component 18 receivesthe usable power, wherein the active component 18 can be sensed by aperson.

The present invention pertains to a structure 50 for supporting. Thestructure 50 comprises a base. The structure 50 comprises an elementextending from the base having a first portion through which at leastone wireless power transmitter 20 is attached to the element, and asecond portion through which at least one target 16 configured toreceive the wireless power and convert the wireless power to a useablepower is attached to the element.

The present invention pertains to a system 10 for wirelessly power anitem 12 attached to a tree 70. The system 10 comprises a source 14configured to send wireless power. The system 10 comprises at least onetarget 16 configured to receive the wireless power and convert thewireless power to a useable power wherein the at least one target 16 isattached to the tree 70. The tree 70 can be real or artificial.

In regard to the description of the operation of the invention thefollowing U.S. patents and patent applications are incorporated byreference.

FFPT-1 wireless power supply - U.S. Pat. No. 7,027,311 FFPT-2 pulsing -U.S. Patent Application No. 11/356,892 FFPT-3 network - U.S. PatentApplication No. 11/438,508 FFPT-6 High Efficiency Rectification - U.S.Patent Application No. 11/584,983 FFPT-8 pulsing CIP - U.S. PatentApplication No. 11/651,818 FFPT-9 network CIP - U.S. Patent ApplicationNo. 11/699,148 FFPT-13 series network - U.S. Patent Application No.11/881,203

A system 10 for wirelessly powering an item 12, comprising a source 14configured to send wireless power; and a target 16 configured to receivethe wireless power and convert the wireless power to a useable power;and a component 18 connected to and configured to receive the useablepower from the target 16, wherein when the component 18 receives theusable power, the component 18 activates.

The system 10 wherein the source 14 includes an RF power transmitter 20.

The system 10 wherein the source 14 further includes a transmittingantenna 22. The system 10 wherein the source 14 further includes a wiredpower source 24.

The system 10 wherein the target 16 includes an RF power receiver 26.The system 10 wherein the RF power receiver 26 includes a powerharvester 28. The system 10 wherein the power harvester 28 includescircuitry 30 configured to convert RF power into DC power. The system 10wherein the target 16 further includes a receiving antenna 32.

The system 10 wherein the component 18 includes a light 34.

The system 10 wherein the component 18 has moveable parts.

The system 10 wherein the component 18 produces a sound.

The system 10 wherein the component 18 produces a scent.

The system 10 wherein the component 18 includes a changeable surface 40characteristic.

The system 10 wherein the target 16 and the component 18 areincorporated into the item 12. The system 10 wherein the item 12 is anornament 36. The system 10 wherein the item 12 is a snowflake. Thesystem 10 wherein the snowflake is configured to hang in or on a surface40. The system 10 wherein the surface 40 is a window 42.

The system 10 further including one or more additional sources 14. Thesystem 10 wherein the source 14 and the one or more additional sources14 are connected. The system 10 wherein the source 14 and the one ormore additional sources 14 are connected in series. The system 10wherein the source 14 and the one or more additional sources 14 areconnected in parallel.

The system 10 further including one or more additional targets 16. Thesystem 10 wherein the target 16 and the one or more additional targets16 are connected.

The system 10 further including one or more additional components 18.The system 10 wherein the component 18 and the one or more additionalcomponents 18 are connected.

The system 10 further including one or more controllers 44 electricallyconnected to the system 10 to control the system 10.

The system 10 further including one or more switches 46 electricallyconnected to the system 10 to aid with control of the system 10.

The system 10 wherein the source 14 includes an attachment mechanism 48for attaching to a structure 50.

The system 10 wherein the target 16 includes an attachment mechanism 48for attaching to a structure 50.

The system 10 wherein the component 18 includes an attachment mechanism48 for attaching to a surface 40.

An assembly comprising a system 10 for wirelessly powering a component18; and a structure 50 for supporting the system 10, wherein the system10 includes: a source 14 configured to send wireless power; and a target16 electrically connected to the component 18 and configured to receivethe wireless power, to convert the wireless power to a useable power,and to activate a component 18 using the useable power.

The assembly wherein the structure 50 is a tree 70.

The assembly further including a unit 84 incorporating the component 18.The assembly wherein the unit 84 further incorporates the target 16. Theassembly wherein the unit 84 is an ornament 36.

The assembly wherein the source 14 is positionable near a base of thestructure 50.

The assembly wherein the target 16 is positionable on the structure 50.

The assembly further including one or more additional sources 14.

The assembly further including one or more additional targets 16.

The assembly further including one or more additional components 18.

Referring to FIG. 1, a system 10 for wirelessly powering an item 12,according to the present invention, includes a source 14 for sendingwireless power, a target 16 for receiving the wireless power andconverting the wireless power into useable power, and a component 18configured to receive and use the useable power.

The item 12 includes the component 18 or a plurality of components 18.The item 12 may be any specialty item 12 that requires power for thecomponent 18 to activate. For example, the item 12 may be a decoration,a prop, a display, an accent, etc. The item 12 may be holiday ortheme-related (e.g., Christmas, Easter, wedding, birthday). Activationof the component 18 may result in the production of a sensory change inthe item 12, for example, light 34 (sight), motion, sound, scent, taste,or touch (feel).

The item 12 may include a mechanism for hanging, mounting, or otherwisedisplaying the item 12. For example, the mechanism may be a clip, anaperture, etc.

The source 14 preferably includes a radio frequency (RF) powertransmitter 20 connected to a transmitting antenna 22. The RF powertransmitter 20 generates RF power and supplies the RF power to thetransmitting antenna 22. The transmitting antenna 22 radiates the RFpower over a distance of space. The RF power transmitter 20 and thetransmitting antenna 22 may be of any design that accomplishes theobjectives of the invention (i.e., radiating RF power/energy to a target16). The RF power transmitter 20 and the transmitting antenna 22 may beconnected through any suitable means.

The source 14 may operate on batteries 52. Alternatively, referring toFIGS. 2-5, the source 14 may be electrically connected to a wired powersource 24, for example, connected via a cord to a plug for plugging intoa standard alternating current (AC) outlet. In this configuration, theRF power transmitter 20 converts AC power to the RF power fortransmission from the transmitting antenna 22. An external AC to directcurrent (DC) converter may be included to convert the AC power to DCpower, so that the RF power transmitter 20 then converts the DC powerinto the RF power.

One or more additional sources 14 (or portions thereof) may be includedin the system 10. The sources 14 may be electrically connected to eachother in any suitable manner to achieve a desired result. The sources 14may be electrically connected in series or in parallel.

For example, one or more RF power transmitters 20, each with anassociated transmitting antenna 22, may be included. FIG. 2 illustratesa plurality of RF power transmitters 20 connected in series, where eachRF power transmitter 20 is connected to a transmitting antenna 22. FIG.3 illustrates a plurality of RF power transmitters 20 connected inparallel, where each RF power transmitter 20 is connected to atransmitting antenna 22.

Likewise, for example, FIG. 4 illustrates one RF power transmitter 20connected to a plurality of transmitting antennas 22, where thetransmitting antennas 22 are connected in series. FIG. 5 illustrates oneRF power transmitter 20 connected to a plurality of transmittingantennas 22, where the transmitting antennas 22 are connected inparallel.

Referring to FIG. 1, the target 16 preferably includes an RF powerreceiver 26 connected to a receiving antenna 32. The receiving antenna32 receives the radiated RF power (from the transmitting antenna(s) 22)and supplies the RF power to the RF power receiver 26. The RF powerreceiver 26 converts the RF power into a useable power (form) that isutilizable by the component 18. For example, the component 18 mayrequire AC or DC power, or a combination of the two, for activation.

The RF power receiver 26 and the receiving antenna 32 may be of anydesign that accomplishes the objectives of the invention (i.e.,receiving radiated RF power/energy from a source 14). The RF powerreceiver 26 and the receiving antenna 32 may be connected through anysuitable means.

The RF power receiver 26 preferably includes an RF power harvester 28for converting RF power to DC power. RF power harvesters (methods andapparatuses for high efficiency rectification for various loads) whichare suitable for use with the present invention have been discussed indetail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/584,983, which isincorporated herein by reference.

The receiving antenna 32 may be incorporated into the item 12 itself.For example, the receiving antenna 32 may be inside the item 12, part ofthe item 12, or outside the item 12. The receiving antenna 32 may beincorporated into the mechanism for hanging, mounting, or otherwisedisplaying the item 12. For example, a loop for hanging the item 12 maybe a portion of or the entire receiving antenna 32, as shown in FIG. 18where the loop for hanging is also a loop antenna connected to thereceiver 26.

One or more additional targets 16 (or portions thereof) may be includedin the system 10. The targets 16 may be electrically connected to eachother in any suitable manner to achieve a desired result. The targets 16may be electrically connected in series or in parallel.

For example, one or more RF power receivers 26, each with an associatedreceiving antenna 32, may be included. FIG. 6 illustrates a plurality ofRF power receivers 26 connected in series, where each RF power receiver26 is connected to a receiving antenna 32. FIG. 7 illustrates aplurality of RF power receivers 26 connected in parallel, where each RFpower receiver 26 is connected to a receiving antenna 32. In eithercase, the advantage is more uniform power distribution to the multiplecomponents 18. As an example, one receiver 26 may be in a differentpolarization or located in a dead spot. The result may be a reducedpower output for that receiver 26. The other receivers 26, however, maybe receiving sufficient power and may supply some of that power to anyother receiver 26 receiving less power.

Likewise, for example, FIG. 8 illustrates one RF power receiver 26connected to a plurality of receiving antennas 32, where the receivingantennas 32 are connected in parallel. FIG. 9 illustrates one RF powerreceiver 26 connected to a plurality of receiving antennas 32, where thereceiving antennas 32 are connected in series. In either case, theadvantages are increased power reception and increased probability ofreceiving sufficient power. As an example, one antenna may be in adifferent polarization or located in a dead spot. The result may be areduced power output for that antenna. The other antennas, however, maybe receiving sufficient power which is supplied to the receiver 26. Itshould be noted that the multiple antennas shown in any of the figuresmay be directly connected together or combined using a combiner or othercombining device. Also, any type of antenna may be used with this or anyother of the embodiments herein.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 10-14, the component 18 is a part of orconnected to the item 12. The component 18 may be anything that utilizespower for activation. Upon activation, the component 18 produces aresult or desired outcome, such as a sensory change in the item 12. Forexample, the component 18 may use power to produce light 34, motion,sound, scent, taste, or tactile characteristics. To this end, thecomponent 18 may be a light 34, an LED 54, a moveable part, a bell, etc.The component 18 may be configured to produce more than onecharacteristic.

Referring to FIG. 10, the target 16 may also include a charge storagecomponent 18, means for activating the component 18, and a circuit or adriver 66, as appropriate. The charge storage component 18 stores powerto supply to the component 18. The means for activating the component 18controls the activation of the component 18. The means may include aswitch 46 that passes or accepts power to the component 18. The meansmay also include a voltage sensor 58 such that when a pre-determinedvoltage level is reached, the switch 46 is activated to allow power toflow to the component 18. The means may alternatively include a timer 60to control activation of the switch 46. The means may alternativelyinclude a button 62 or other means to allow a user to control activationof the switch 46.

Referring to FIG. 11, with a component 18 for sound, a sound circuit ordriver 66 is included to control the operation of a speaker 64 or othersound producing device. Referring to FIG. 12, with a component 18 forlight 34, an LED 54, or other light 34 producing device, is connected tothe switch 46. The system 10 may be designed to blink the LED 54 on andoff, and/or to dim and bright the LED 54. Referring to FIG. 13, with acomponent 18 for tactile characteristics, a motor 72 circuit or driver66 is connected to the switch 46 and to a tactile motor 72. Referring toFIG. 14, with a component 18 for taste or smell, such as a container 76for a liquid or gas having an associated dispenser 78 (for example, forpassing flavored liquid into a drink or misting a scented gas into theair), a dispenser 78 circuit or driver 66 is connected to the switch 46and the dispenser 78. It should be noted that with each of theseembodiments, the switch 46, timers 60/button 62 or storage component 18is preferred to be used, but not necessary to be used.

One or more additional components 18 may be included in the system 10.The one or more components 18 may be configured to work together toachieve a desired outcome. The components 18 and/or targets 16 may beelectrically connected to each other in any suitable manner to achieve adesired result. The components 18 may be electrically connected inseries or in parallel.

One or more components 18 may be individually utilized in the system 10.For example, FIG. 15 illustrates a plurality of components 18, whereeach component 18 is connected to one of a plurality of targets 16.

One or more components 18 may be connected to a single target 16. Forexample, FIG. 16 illustrates a plurality of components 18 connected toone RF power receiver 26, where the components 18 are connected inseries. FIG. 17 illustrates a plurality of components 18 connected toone RF power receiver 26, where the components 18 are connected inparallel.

Likewise, one or more components 18 may be connected to one or moretargets 16. FIG. 6 illustrates a plurality of components 18 connected toa plurality of RF power receivers 26, where the RF power receivers 26are connected in series. FIG. 7 illustrates a plurality of components 18connected to a plurality of RF power receivers 26, where the RF powerreceivers 26 are connected in parallel.

Referring to FIG. 18, the component 18 and the target 16 may beincorporated into the item 12. The item 12 may be an ornament 36 for aholiday tree 70 (e.g., a lighted Christmas tree 70). As an example, aChristmas ornament 36 was retrofitted with an antenna and an RF energyharvesting circuit. The RF energy harvesting circuit was connected to avoltage sensor 58 and a switch 46. The voltage sensor 58 was implementedusing a comparator and the switch 46 was implemented as a PMOStransistor. The PMOS transistor was connected to a music generatingcircuit that was connected to a speaker 64. The voltage sensor 58 wasalso connected to an indicator that informed the user that the ornament36 had captured sufficient charge (stored in the charge storagecomponent 18) to play a thirty second Christmas song. The indicator wasimplemented with an LED 54 that illuminated the nose of Rudolph thereindeer making the indicator not only informative but also decorative.When the ornament 36 had captured and stored sufficient charge to playthe song, the comparator switched its output from the charge storagecomponent 18 to the indicator and any additional captured energy wasused to illuminate the indicator. The indicator informed the user thatthe ornament 36 was ready to play. The user could play the song bypressing a button 62 on the ornament 36. A block diagram of this system10 can be seen in FIG. 10. The item 12 may also be a window 42decoration (e.g., a lighted snowflake). As an example, a decorativesnowflake was designed to hang in a window 42 using a suction cup oradhesive material. The snowflake was made from various materialsincluding lexan and tempered glass. The center of the snowflake wasremoved to place in the receiver 26. The antenna was inserted into amilled slot that ran down the legs of the snowflake. Two configurationsof receiver 26 were fabricated. Both used dipole antennas connected toan RF energy harvester 28. For the first receiver 26, six 30 degree LEDs54 were connected to the output of the RF energy harvester 28 that wasplaced in the center of the snowflake. Each LED 54 was pointed down abranch of the snowflake. For the second receiver 26, a single 360 degreeLED 54 was used in the center of the snowflake. The snowflake wasfabricated in two ways. First, the plastic or glass was frosted. In thiscase, the entire snowflake would glow due to the diffraction caused byunsmooth surface 40. The second snowflake was clear with only the edgeshaving a frosted finish due to the cutting process. In this case, thelegs of the snowflake acted as light 34 pipes and almost all the light34 exited the snowflake on the edges giving an outlined look. Forcertain snowflakes, opaque material in the shape of the snowflake wasused on the front and back of the snowflake to hide the RF energyharvester 28 and antenna. One or more items 12 may be configured to worktogether to achieve a desired outcome (e.g., a light 34 or soundsequence). One or more items 12 may be electrically connected to eachother to achieve the desired outcome.

The system 10 may be configured to pulse power. Pulsing networks weredescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/356,892 and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/651,818, both entitled Pulsing TransmissionNetwork and incorporated herein by reference. Pulsing may be used toturn on and off any transmitting antenna 22 as desired. For example,each transmitting antenna 22 of the system 10 may be turned on then offsequentially.

Referring to FIG. 19, a controller 44 may be incorporated into thesystem 10 to control a source 14, a target 16, a component 18, and/or anitem 12 to achieve a desired outcome. One or more additional controllers44 may be included. The one or more controllers 44 may be connected toone or more of the sources 14, targets 16, components 18, items 12,and/or each other. The controller 44 may be, but is not limited to, amicroprocessor.

For example, a controller 44 may be used to pulse power by turningspecific transmitting antennas 22 on and off. For another example, acontroller 44 may be used to direct power to a particular target 16 viaa particular source 14. The switch 46 may be, but is not limited to, aSPST or SPDT relay, pin diode switch, or a transistor such as a PMOS.

Referring to FIG. 20, a switch 46 may be incorporated into the system 10to achieve a desired outcome. One or more additional switches 46 may beincluded. The one or more switches 46 may be connected to one or more ofthe sources 14, targets 16, components 18, items 12, controllers 44,and/or each other.

For example, a switch 46 may be used to pulse power by accepting andpassing power at specific transmitting antennas 22. For another example,a switch 46 may be used to accept or pass power to a particular target16 via a particular source 14. For another example, as illustrated inFIG. 15, a plurality of switches 46 may be used to turn components 18 onand off.

In the present invention, the system 10 may be made up of any embodimentsource 14, any embodiment target 16, and any embodiment component 18.Each of the source 14, target 16, and component 18 (of multiples ofeach) may be configured to perform individually or collaboratively.Thus, the system 10 is flexible so that a wide variety of desiredoutcomes are achievable.

Thus, for a holiday light 34 application, the system 10 can be designedto have the lights 34 on constantly, to turn individual lights 34 on andoff to create various patterns (blinking, sequences), to dim the lights34, to change colors with different colored bulbs or LEDs 54. For asound application, the system 10 can be designed to play various tunesby turning on and off the musical elements in the appropriate order andfor the appropriate duration.

The system 10 may be configured to recirculate excess or unused power.Heat generated by the system 10 may be captured and used by othersub-assemblies of the system 10. For example, to heat a potpourrisub-assembly or to heat water in a base of a Christmas Tree 70 (forpotpourri).

It should be noted that various other electrical components 18 may beadded as required by the system 10 or as desired.

For example, referring to FIG. 21, a system 10 according to the presentinvention for wirelessly powering a plurality of items 12 isillustrated. The system 10 includes a source 14, a plurality of targets16, and a plurality of components 18.

In this example, each of the plurality of items 12 is an illuminatingsnowflake. Each of the plurality of items 12 includes a target 16, acomponent 18, and a mechanism for hanging the item 12.

The source 14 is connected to a plug that engages an AC outlet. AC poweris supplied via the plug to an AC to DC converter. The AC to DCconverter converts the AC power to DC power and supplies the DC power toan RF power transmitter 20. The RF power transmitter 20 converts the DCpower to RF power and supplies the RF power to a plurality oftransmitting antennas 22 via a plurality of switches 46. The controller44 and the switches 46 direct the flow of power to the transmittingantennas 22. The transmitting antennas 22 transmit RF power over adistance to the targets 16.

Each target 16 includes a receiving antenna 32 and an RF power receiver26. Each receiving antenna 32 receives the RF power sent by one or moretransmitting antennas 22. Each receiving antenna 32 supplies the RFpower to the RF power receiver 26 connected thereto. The RF powerreceiver 26 converts the RF power to DC power and supplies the DC powerto the component 18.

In this example, each component 18 is an LED 54 for illuminating itsassociated snowflake. Each LED 54 receives DC power from the RF powerreceiver 26 and is activated or turned on.

Thus, in this example system 10, a single source 14 is utilized to sendpower wirelessly to a series of snowflakes, causing the snowflakes tolight up. The controller 44 may be configured to vary the intensities orcolors of the LEDs 54, vary the durations that the LEDs 54 are lit up,vary the sequence of LED 54 lighting among the group of snowflakes, etc.As an example, each snowflake may have a timing circuit ormicroprocessor that cycles through a sequence of different colors,intensities, and or durations. The sequence may be predetermined orrandom. The timer 60 may be synchronized by a pulsing waveform from thetransmitter(s) 20. As an example, the transmitter(s) 20 may pulse thecarrier frequency at 60 Hz (On-Off Key) for ten seconds. This ten-secondperiod may be followed by a 1 second off period in order to reset thetimers 60 in the receivers 26. The snowflakes may function from storedenergy during this off period or may turn off with the transmitter 20.

FIG. 22 shows another example of a snowflake suitable to be incorporatedin the system 10 illustrated in FIG. 21. This snowflake includes atarget 16 having a single RF power receiver 26, dual receiving antennas32, and multiple components 18 (LEDs 54).

Referring to FIGS. 23-24, an assembly, according to the presentinvention, includes a system 10 for wirelessly powering an item 12 and astructure 50 for supporting the system 10.

The system 10 is any system 10 according to the present invention. Thesystem 10 includes at least one source 14, at least one target 16, andat least one component 18. The structure 50 is any structure 50 capableof physically supporting the system 10.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 23, the structure 50 is a Christmastree 70. The system 10 includes a single source 14, a single target 16,and a single component 18. The target 16 and the component 18 areincorporated into the item 12 to be powered. For example, the item 12may be an illuminating ornament 36, where the component 18 is an LED 54,or a musical ornament 36, where the component 18 is a music maker, suchas a single recording of an MP3 player. The item 12 includes a loop forhanging the ornament 36 on the Christmas tree 70.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 24, the structure 50 is a Christmastree 70. The system 10 includes a plurality of sources 14, a pluralityof targets 16, and a plurality of components 18. One target 16 and onecomponent 18 are incorporated into one item 12 to be powered. Forexample, the items 12 may be illuminating ornaments 36, where thecomponents 18 are LEDs 54, or musical ornaments 36, where the components18 are music makers. The items 12 include a loop for hanging theornaments 36 on the Christmas tree 70.

As an example, a system 10 was designed for use as an assembly where theassembly was a Christmas tree 70. The Christmas tree 70 was artificialand was fitted with three transmitters 20 as shown in FIG. 24. Theoutput power of each transmitter 20 was set to match the distance andpower requirements of the lights 34 and ornaments 36. The transmitter 20at the top of the tree 70 had the least distance between the transmitter20 and ornaments 36 and lights 34. Therefore, the top transmitter 20 hadthe least amount of output power. Likewise, the bottom transmitter 20had the greatest distance between the transmitter 20 and ornaments 36and lights 34. Therefore, the bottom transmitter 20 had the greatestamount of output power. All three transmitters 20 used dipole antennas.The three transmitters 20 were supplied power in a series fashion. TheDC output from the AC to DC converter supplied power to the bottom RFpower transmitter 20 which supplied power to the middle RF powertransmitter 20 which supplied power to the top RF power transmitter 20.The transmitters 20 were designed to hang from the branches of the tree70 using hooks or loops like the ones commonly used to hang ornaments36, which is the preferable method for a real tree 70 or installing thesystem 10 on an existing artificial tree 70. For a complete system 10,the transmitter(s) 20 and/or the antenna(s), would preferably beembedded in the main trunk of the tree 70, either by placement in slotsor hollows in the trunk to receive them or during the manufacture of thetree 70 itself. The receivers 26 were implemented with a variety ofantennas with dipoles being the dominant choice. Lighted and soundproducing ornaments 36 were developed or retrofitted. Strings of lights34 (LEDs 54) were fabricated using the topologies shown in FIGS. 15 and17. Using FIG. 15, multiple dipole antennas with respective receivers 26were secured to a non-conducting material (nylon string) using heatshrink. Each light 34 was a different color although it is possible tohave all the same color. Using FIG. 17, multiple LEDs 54 were drivenfrom a single receiver 26 in a strand of lights 34. Also, individuallights 34 were designed that were not connected to any other light,making them completely untethered.

Existing ornaments 36 were retrofitted with a target 16 in order to makethem untethered. As an example, several ornaments 36 that were designedto connect to an existing string of lights 34 with the ornament 36securing over a light 34 for illumination were retrofitted with a target16. The resulting ornaments 36 received RF energy from the transmitters20 mounted near the trunk of the tree 70 which was converted to light 34in order to illuminate the ornament 36.

It should be noted that this embodiment may be used with a real orartificial tree 70.

FIGS. 25-29 illustrate various possible variations of embodiments of thepresent invention (these examples are not meant to be limiting).

A remote control may be included to control operation of the system 10,for example, to turn the system 10 on and off, to vary the intensity orbrightness of lights 34/LEDs 54. A timer 60 or sensor (e.g., lightdetector) may be included to control operation of the system 10.

For any item 12 or source 14, a face 82 (or body) of the item 12 orsource 14 may be interchangeable with a second face 82 for the item 12or source 14. For example, if the item 12 is a snowflake, the face 82defining the snowflake may be removed and replaced with ajack-o-lantern, such that the item 12 may be used for multipleoccasions. As a specific example, the item 12 may be designed to acceptthe target 16 (the antenna and RF energy harvester 28) that is formed asa rectangular unit 84 that snaps into the face 82 that defines the shapeof the item 12. The resulting target 16 can then be removed from oneitem 12 by releasing the securing snaps 86 and snapping the target 16into the target 16 holder of the other item 12. An example of this canbe seen in FIG. 29 where the faces 82 or items 12 are a star and a tree70.

Similarly, a target 16 may be interchangeable between various components18 and/or items 12. This allows the target 16 to be used with amultitude of different components 18/items 12.

The system 10 may include a communication component 18 in order to senddata between parts of the system 10.

It should be noted that any polarization may be used in any of theembodiments to make the system 10, apparatus, or assembly more robust inoperation (work in any orientation or polarization).

A method and apparatus for high efficiency rectification for variousloads, which is suitable for receiving the RF power according to thepresent invention, has been discussed in detail in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/584,983, which is incorporated herein byreference.

The invention should not be confused with power transfer by inductivecoupling, which requires the device to be relatively close to the powertransmission source 14. The RFID Handbook by the author KlausFinkenzeller defines the inductive coupling region as distance betweenthe transmitter 20 and receiver 26 of less than 0.16 times lambda wherelambda is the wavelength of the RF wave. The invention can beimplemented in the near-field (sometimes referred to as inductive)region as well as the far-field region. The far-field region isdistances greater than 0.16 times lambda.

In any embodiment of the present invention, the RF power transmitted maybe limited to include power only, that is, data is not present in thesignal. If data is required by the application, the data is, preferably,transmitted in a separate band and/or has a separate receiver 26, forexample, via the communication component 18 discussed above.

Although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoingembodiments for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood thatsuch detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be madetherein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention except as it may be described by thefollowing claims.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a support structure; a source coupled tothe support structure and configured to send wireless power; an itemcoupled to the support structure and including a target, a component,and a charge storage element, the target configured to receive thewireless power and convert the wireless power to a usable power, thetarget electrically connected to the component, the component configuredto receive the usable power from the target and activate in response tothe usable power, the charge storage element configured to store atleast a portion of the usable power to supply to the component; andmeans for activating the component in response to detection of apredetermined voltage level of a voltage at the charge storage element.2. An apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the source includes awireless power transmitter.
 3. An apparatus as described in claim 1wherein the source includes a wired power source.
 4. An apparatus asdescribed in claim 1 wherein the target includes an RF power receiver.5. An apparatus as described in claim 4 wherein the RF power receiverincludes a power harvester.
 6. An apparatus as described in claim 5wherein the power harvester includes circuitry to convert the wirelesspower into the usable power, the usable power being DC power.
 7. Anapparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the source is a first source,the apparatus further comprising a second source coupled to the supportstructure.
 8. An apparatus as described in claim 7 wherein the firstsource and the second source are electrically connected to one another.9. An apparatus as described in claim 8 wherein the first source and thesecond source are electrically connected in series.
 10. An apparatus asdescribed in claim 8 wherein the first source and the second source areelectrically connected in parallel.
 11. An apparatus as described inclaim 1 wherein the item is a first item, the apparatus furthercomprising a second item coupled to the support structure and includinga target and a component, the target of the second item configured toreceive the wireless power and convert the wireless power to a usablepower, the target of the second item electrically connected to thecomponent of the second item, the component of the second itemconfigured to receive the usable power from the target of the seconditem and activate in response to the usable power.
 12. An apparatus asdescribed in claim 11 wherein the first item and the second item areelectrically connected.
 13. An apparatus as described in claim 1 whereinthe component is a first component, the first item includes a secondcomponent.
 14. An apparatus as described in claim 13 wherein the firstcomponent and the second component are electrically connected to oneanother.
 15. An apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the sourceincludes an attachment mechanism that couples the source to the supportstructure.
 16. An apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the itemincludes an attachment mechanism that couples the item to the supportstructure.
 17. An apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the sourceis configured to receive operational power from batteries.
 18. Anapparatus as described in claim 2 wherein the wireless power transmitteris configured to transmit pulses of power.
 19. An apparatus as describedin claim 1, wherein the activating means includes a switch thatfacilitates or inhibits supply of the usable power to the component. 20.An apparatus as described in claim 19 wherein the activating meansincludes a voltage sensor that activates the switch when the voltage atthe charge storage element reaches the predetermined voltage level. 21.An apparatus as described in claim 19 wherein the activating meansincludes a timer that controls activation of the switch.
 22. Anapparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the item includes a housinghaving a face, the target being removably coupled to the face.
 23. Anapparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the component when activatedcan be sensed by a person.
 24. An apparatus as described in claim 1wherein: the target is a first target; and the item includes a secondtarget, the second target configured to receive the wireless power andconvert the wireless power to a usable power, the second targetelectrically connected to the first target.
 25. An apparatus asdescribed in claim 1 wherein: the target is a first target; and the itemincludes a second target, the second target configured to receive thewireless power and convert the wireless power to a usable power, thesecond target electrically connected to the component, the componentconfigured to receive the usable power from the first target and theusable power from the second target.
 26. An apparatus as described inclaim 1 wherein the item includes an antenna operatively coupled to thetarget.
 27. An apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the itemincludes a plurality of antennas, the target being operatively coupledto each antenna from the plurality of antennas the target.
 28. Anapparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the target includes anantenna.
 29. An apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the targetincludes a plurality of antennas.
 30. An apparatus as described in claim1 wherein the support structure is portable and includes a base and anelement extending from the base.
 31. An apparatus as described in claim1, wherein the component is a first component and the target is a firsttarget, the item includes a second target electrically connected to asecond component and configured to receive the wireless power, toconvert the wireless power to a useable power, and to activate thesecond component using the useable power, the second target electricallyconnected to the first target.
 32. An apparatus as described in claim24, wherein the second target is configured to activate the secondcomponent using the useable power.
 33. An apparatus as described inclaim 1, wherein the activating means includes a switch electricallyconnected to the target and the component, the switch configured toprovide the usable power to the component when the switch is activatedand not provide the usable power of the target to the component when theswitch is not activated.
 34. An apparatus comprising: a housing; atarget holder coupled to the housing and configured to securely andremovably accept a target, the target including a wireless RF energyharvester configured to receive wireless energy and convert it into DC;and at least one component disposed in the housing and configured to beelectrically connected to and powered by the target when the target issecurely and removably accepted at the target holder.
 35. An apparatusas described in claim 34 wherein the housing has a snowflake shape or anorb shape or a jack-o-lantern shape or a candy cane shape.
 36. Anapparatus as described in claim 34, further comprising a plurality offaces that are interchangeable on the housing.
 37. An apparatus asdescribed in claim 34 wherein the target holder securely and removablyaccepts the target via a snap fit with the target.
 38. An apparatus asdescribed in claim 36 wherein at least one face from the plurality offaces has a snowflake shape, an orb shape, a jack-o-lantern shape or acandy cane shape.
 39. An apparatus as described in claim 34 furthercomprising an antenna operatively coupled to the target when the targetis securely and removably accepted at the target holder.
 40. Anapparatus as described in claim 34 further comprising a plurality ofantennas, each antenna from the plurality of antennas operativelycoupled to the target when the target is securely and removably acceptedat the target holder.
 41. An apparatus, comprising: an RF power receiverconfigured to receive wireless power and convert the wireless power to auseable power; a charge storage element configured to store at least aportion of the usable power, the charge storage element operativelycoupled to the RF power receiver; a component configured to beelectrically connected to and to receive the useable power from thecharge storage element, the component activates in response to theusable power; a switch configured to provide the usable power to thecomponent when the switch is activated and not provide the usable powerto the component when the switch is not activated; and a voltage sensoroperatively coupled to the charge storage element and the switch, thevoltage sensor configured to activate the switch when a voltage at thecharge storage element reaches a predetermined voltage level.
 42. Anapparatus as described in claim 41 wherein the component when activatedcan be sensed by a person.
 43. An apparatus as described in claim 41further comprising an indicator that provides an indication that avoltage at the charge storage element is not less than a predeterminedvoltage level when active.
 44. An apparatus, comprising: an RF powerreceiver configured to receive wireless power and convert the wirelesspower into usable power; a charge storage element configured to store atleast a portion of the usable power, the charge storage elementoperatively coupled to the RF power receiver; a component operativelycoupled to the charge storage element and configured to receive theusable power from the charge storage element, the component powered atleast in part by the usable power; an indicator that provides anindication that a voltage at the charge storage element is not less thana predetermined voltage level when active; a voltage sensor operativelycoupled to the charge storage element and the indicator, the voltagesensor configured to activate the indicator when the voltage at thecharge storage element reaches the predetermined voltage level; and aswitch configured to provide the usable power to the component when theswitch is activated and not provide the usable power to the componentwhen the switch is not activated, the voltage sensor configured toactivate the switch when the voltage at the charge storage elementreaches the predetermined voltage level.
 45. An apparatus as describedin claim 44 wherein the component when activated can be sensed by aperson.
 46. An apparatus as described in claim 44 further comprising aplurality of antennas, each antenna from the plurality of antennasoperatively coupled to the RF power receiver.
 47. An apparatus,comprising: a housing configured to be accepted at a target holder of anitem such that the housing is securely and removably coupled to the itemwhen the housing is accepted at the target holder; and an RF energyharvester coupled to the housing and configured to provide usable powerto a component when the housing is securely and removably coupled to theitem.
 48. An apparatus as described in claim 47 wherein the housingincludes at least one securing device configured to engage the targetholder such that the housing is securely and removably coupled to theitem when the at least one securing device engages the target holder.49. An apparatus as described in claim 47 wherein the target holderincludes at least one securing device configured to engage the housingsuch that the housing is securely and removably coupled to the item whenthe at least one securing device engages the housing.
 50. An apparatusas described in claim 47 further comprising a plurality of antennas,each antenna from the plurality of antennas operatively coupled to theRF energy harvester.
 51. An apparatus as described in claim 47 whereinthe RF energy harvester is a first RF energy harvester, the apparatusfurther comprising: a second RF energy harvester coupled to the housingand configured to provide usable power to the component.